Theft of metal tree stakes in Houston park overwhelms nonprofit

Published 11:39 am, Monday, May 20, 2013

Officials at Trees for Houston are scratching their heads over the thefts of thousands of dollars in tree stakes from MacGregor Park in southeast Houston.

About 600 of the metal tree stakes have been swiped from MacGregor Park in recent weeks, said Barry Ward, executive director at Trees for Houston. The stakes are valued at about $5 each, but are being sold at scrap yards or online on Craigslist for $2 to $3 apiece.

"What is particularly worrisome is the amount of money we've had to use to replace them, which includes about $5,000 in labor costs," Ward said. "Put another way, if I didn't have to replace those stakes I could plant an entire school campus in Houston. Simply put, some school campus will not get planted this year because I'm having to replace these stakes."

Ward believes the thieves likely are in the landscaping business because of the expertise and equipment needed to remove the stakes.

"To take them out you need a truck, strong arm and tools," he said.

The nonprofit Trees for Houston depends on donations so fewer trees will be planted if the thefts continue. A police report has been filed, and the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department is keeping an eye on the situation.

"I have very little hope that this individual event will be resolved, but we're asking for public awareness ... to keep an eye out and call the police if they see anything suspicious," he said.

Anyone with information on the thefts is asked to call Houston police at 713-308-3280, or City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department at 832-395-7000.

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